Delania Barbee

AUTHOR:

Delania Barbee

As an attorney, it is likely that you are already familiar with and have created a LinkedIn profile. The question is: Are you using it to its full potential? If you are using LinkedIn simply as an online resume, you are missing out on the increasing value that LinkedIn has to offer. LinkedIn has continued to increase the features that can be used to help people to connect, build relationships, and access opportunities. As of the date of publication, below are some of the top ways to use LinkedIn to build a professional brand. Post. While LinkedIn may not be…

Instagram is a highly visual platform, but it is not limited to the occasional selfie. If used correctly, Instagram can be used strategically to build a professional brand. Instagram has many features that now make it many attorneys’ platform of choice. Like other social media platforms, Instagram is often changing, so you will want to experiment with it. However, as of the date of publication, below are some of the top ways to use Instagram to build a professional brand. Be sure to use your “bio” space to create interest in your page and to link to other content. The…

A recent Pew Research Center study shows that the majority of U.S. adults are on present on Facebook, and three-quarters of those adults visit Facebook every day. This makes Facebook a great online platform for building a brand. So, what should you do to maximize your use of Facebook? Below are several suggestions: Create a page. If you are familiar with Facebook, you are likely aware that there is a difference between a profile, which is where you allow people to be added as “friends”, and a profile, which people follow by “liking” the page. Pages are not just reserved…

Some may question the usefulness of Twitter compared to other social media platforms that are available, but, as of the date of publication, Twitter remains one of the best ways to connect with others. It is no question why many businesses, elected officials, celebrities, and others continue to use it. Below are ways to use Twitter to grow your professional brand: 1. Create or participate in Twitter chats. Twitter chats are opportunities to engage with a community online over a certain topic. Typically, a topic of discussion is announced in advance along with the date and time that the Twitter…

What social media platform should you focus on when working on building your professional brand? As the typical attorney answer would be, “It depends.” The advice is often given that you should be where your target clients or audience is online. While that is valid advice, the key to starting to building your brand online is to, first, be where you will enjoy it most, because, if you enjoy it, you are more likely to be consistent. Consistency is going to be the way to get noticed. Once you dominate one platform, then you can move onto others. Below are…

“I’m already successful. I don’t need social media.” I must admit. Hearing this from attorneys, or any professionals for that matter, is my pet peeve. In my last post, I talked about how to prepare for an online first impression and how utilizing certain strategies can present you as a thought-leader to potential clients or employers. Still, in my conversations, I sometimes have attorneys who feel that, due to their current success, they need not utilize digital media to build their brand. Perhaps, digital media is not for everyone for whatever reason. However, remember: Digital media works for you when…

These days, when someone goes to buy any product, they look online for reviews, to compare prices, and more. Certainly, in many instances when someone is looking to engage or hire an attorney as an employee, service provider, speaker, or other role, they also utilize the convenience of searching online, and that individual’s first impression may be based upon what he or she sees online. This presents an opportunity for attorneys. You can shape your digital presence, so that your digital presence show you to be a credible professional and someone with whom others will want to work. The top…

I applied to be a Ms. JD Writer-in-Residence to provide tips to women law students and lawyers on how to best deal with change. I have always known that life is filled with both desired and undesired transitions. Personally, I had a significant change in my life as I lost my fiancé unexpectedly. This transition in my life led to a mindset shift as I think about my career moving forward. Even more than ever, I understand the importance of a holistic career journey, a career where “work-life” integration is emphasized more than “work-life” balance. The need for balance implies…

While changes in one’s life can be intentional, there are times when the unplanned may occur. For example, you may have your heart set on practicing in a certain area of the law and not get hired in the positions to which you initially apply. You may focus on applying to positions in a certain city but get a fitting offer in another city. This may redirect your journey, but the key is to remember that you are on a journey. It does not have to be your final destination and likely will not be. First, remember to embrace where…

When you are considering a change or otherwise facing change, there are typically multiple avenues to consider. You should prepare for any change by vetting the possibilities to the extent possible. There are five actions that you can take to prepare for change: 1. Consider your childhood passions. Your childhood passions can inform your adult career decisions. This is not a suggesting that you become an “arts and crafts” professional. However, it appears that basic interests tend to remain. If you liked to be creative as a child, you may pursue a role that allows for more creativity. If you…

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